Immediate access to 2012 documentation
26/01/2012
Members who have renewed their entries for 2012 should be receiving PDF copies of their documentation by email, either directly or via their brokers. The documents contained in that PDF attachment should be printed on a colour printer and treated as original documents. Please note that we will not be issuing hard copies of these documents. If Members' staff need to access documentation urgently and have not received the PDF copy, direct and immediate downloads from the website can be obtained by the following procedure.
A number of local MSAs have now issued their local notices. Here is a brief summary with attachments for information.
The UK Treasury has now confirmed that it considers that insurers/reinsurers in the EU are prohibited from providing cover in relation to shipments of crude oil or petroleum products, even where the transportation ban does not apply (because the ships and persons involved are unconnected with the EU).
EU Council Regulation - (EU) No 878/2011 entered into force on 2 September, with new measures to target the importation, financing, transport, insurance and reinsurance of crude oil or petroleum products originating from Syria. The Regulation takes the form of an amendment to an earlier regulation (442/2011) in which the scope of applicability is defined as shown below.
Increased liabilities under OSRO contracts
01/09/2011
Last week the Club published circular 10/11 in respect of the increased liabilities that Members may potentially incur under the amended contract terms of one of the US based oil spill response organisations (OSRO). We strongly recommend all Members who might be affected to refer to this circular and check their vessel response plan arrangements.
We are grateful to the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and European Community Shipowners Association (ECSA) for their permission in reproducing the following table of flag state rules in respect of private armed guards
Armed guards - 21 July 2011
21/07/2011
Despite recent media suggestions, there is no formal white list of 'approved' marine security companies maintained by UK Club. However, there are numerous contracts between our Members and such companies that have been approved, in many cases after amendments suggested by us. Approval of a contract does not mean that we have vetted or approved the company in a wider sense - we haven't.
Sanctions targets
13/07/2011
The last eighteen months has seen numerous new sanctions regimes introduced by the EU, UN and the U.S. Amongst the shipping community, there has naturally been a heavy focus on Iranian and Libyan sanctions. It is important to understand, however, that there are now a whole host of countries facing sanctions from the EU, UN and U.S.
Stowaways: a perennial problem
07/07/2011
The recent tragedy in the Red Sea where nearly 200 migrants from the Sudan drowned whilst sailing for Saudi Arabia is a reminder of the scale of international human migration. Many such migrants attempt to smuggle themselves on board international merchant ships in search of a better and safer life abroad.
South African Review - June 2011
30/06/2011
Welcome to the first edition of our joint UK P&I and UK Defence Club review for our South African Members. In this review, one of our correspondents gives an overview of stowaway problems, with specific reference to local South African issues. The question of armed guards on-board ship as a counter to piracy is also reviewed on page 7. Whilst not prohibited by P&I cover per se, some difficult issues arise from the implementation of armed guards in respect of firearms regulations.
UK Club Anti-bribery policy
30/06/2011
As a mutual insurer for ship operators we set great store by fairness between Members and probity when dealing on their behalf. In support of our commitment to maintaining the highest possible standards of business practice we hold a 'zero-tolerance' stance towards bribery. Bribery is illegal and as such has no place in our organisation. This policy also applies to all third parties who act on behalf of the UK Club.
UKDC End of Year Review 2011
27/05/2011
Total number of ships entered: 3,493
EU sanctions against Syria - May 2011
09/05/2011
COUNCIL REGULATION (EU) No 442/2011 of 9 May 2011 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria. This regulation sets out the prohibition of supply of materials and equipment to Syria which may be used for repression of its civilian population. It also provides a list of people and other entities who it identifies as responsible for such acts of repression and thus directly subject to sanction.
The Bodily Injury News produced by our colleagues in New Jersey and San Francisco is published this week reviewing a number of recent developments and issues related to claims for bodily injury, illness and death among passengers and crews.
Two regulations pertaining to prevention and control of oil pollution regulations have been issued by the China Ministry of Transportation since the start of this year. Further bulletins from the Club have been pending the International Group review of the list of approved oil spill response organisations (OSROs) which is yet to be issued by the China Maritime Safety Administration.
New regulations for the control of ships' ballast
US Bodily Injury News December 2010
20/12/2010
This December issue of US Bodily Injury News covers: Round Table Seminar 2010 Practical perspectives on the litigation process, Maintenance rates, Cure obligations, Arbitration clauses, Proving medical expenses in Texas, and Emotional distress claims
The aim of this legal bulletin is to provide a general overview of the regime and its scope, and answers to the most common questions that would assist Members in understanding the relevant issues on how the Regulation will be enforced.
The Club has published its latest Legal Briefing "Comprehensive rights and protection at work" reviewing the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) and explaining the implications for Members of its adoption into national labour laws.